Tentyousai narabi Shimekake-shinji “Owarai Shinji”

(天長祭 並 注連縄掛神事「お笑い神事」)

Higashi-osaka City, Osaka Pref.

Over 100 Years Afternoon Join Kansai

About the festival

This rare sacred ritual of approximately 3,000 people laughing together continuously for 20 min, is based on a tale found in Japanese mythology. "Enraged by her younger brother's mischief, the sun goddess (Amaterasu) locked herself in a cave behind stone doors, and the world became engulfed in darkness. In trying to get her to come back out, the gods threw a party outside the cave with dancing and loud laughter. Curious to see what was happening outside, the sun goddess finally opened the door and the world once again regained its light." Modeled after this story, the Owarai Shinji prays for people's happiness by sending much laughter to the sun during the winter season when the days are shorter. The festival becomes wrapped in a cheerful atmosphere filled with the laughs of priests and participants. 

Many events are held at the shrine in addition to the laughter ritual, such as the laughing competition, street-style performances and other traditional rituals. The energetic moods are bound to keep you warm amidst the cold winter air.
The rituals and the laughter competition can be participated by anybody. Laughter knows no borders, and can jump over walls of language differences.

124 Reh Tentyousai Narabi Shimekake Shinji

Things to do

1. Join the "Mass laughter" of 3,000 people!

124 Re1 1 Tentyousai Narabi Shimekake Shinji
124 Re1 2 Tentyousai Narabi Shimekake Shinji

First, the shrine's Shimenawa ropes—used to indicate sacred spaces—are replaced by new ones in order to greet the coming New Year. Next, participants laugh out loud three times following the priest, in front of the renewed Shimenawa. After the Taiko drums are sounded, the "mass laugh" of 3,000 finally begins. Everybody—from priests, the shrine's maiden to the participants—becomes one through laughing. The trick to laughing continuously for 20 min, is to imagine something joyful and happy. Anybody can participate, so laugh your head off and bring happiness into your life!

2. Compete in the laughter contest after laughing together

124 Re2 1 Tentyousai Narabi Shimekake Shinji

The festival continues on after the ritual with street-style performances as well as the laughing contest. You are able to compete in "how well you can laugh." Anybody can participate, so try your luck with the best laugh you got!

Information (基本情報)

  • Festival Dates December 23rd (Sun), 2018
    Held annually on December 23rd (a national holiday)
    Shimenawa renewal ritual starts at 8:00, and the sacred ritual of laughing begins at 10:00.
    Laughing contest is from 11:00.
  • Place Hiraoka Shrine
  • General Participation Participation is welcomed
  • International Reception and Info. Japanese pamphlet written in English alphabet available
  • Wi-Fi Unavailable
  • Restrooms Available
  • Other useful Info. Unavailable
  • HP

    http://hiraoka-jinja.org/

  • Contact Hiraoka Shrine
    072-981-4177

Rules & Manners(参加のルール&マナー)

You must wear warm clothes to protect against the cold.
Experience the heart and culture of Japan at Hiraoka Shrine, an ancient sanctuary surrounded by great nature.

Access Map (アクセスと地図)

Access to Hiraoka Shrine

[nearest station] 
Hiraoka Station (Kintetsu Nara Line)
Shrine is located immediately outside the station

Address of Hiraoka Shrine
7-16 Izumoi-cho Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Pref.

Tsunaki Koike
Writer
Grew-up in the country side. Loving Karaoke, Marathon & Eating.

WHAT'S GOING ON?